Margaret Svete

Tuesday, August 17, 2004

All-New Spoil Your Dog Unleashed

Margaret Svete has "unleashed" the new and improved SpoilYourDog.com. The site has more information than ever. To celebrate Margaret is offering a personalized copy of the best-selling book "116 Ways To Spoil Your Dog" until August 25, 2004. If you haven't visited in a while check it out: http://www.spoilyourdog.com

Tuesday, August 4, 2004

FDA Approves Dog Diabetes Treatment

The FDA has approved a porcine insulin zinc suspension product as the first drug designed to treat diabetes in dogs. Prior to the approval the only treatment available for dogs was human insulin, which is less compatible with dogs' metabolic systems. The product will be marketed under the name Vetsulin and will be available through the prescription of a veterinarian. It's estimated that 1 in 200 dogs develops diabetes.
posted by Margaret Svete@5:30pm

Thursday, July 29, 2004

Are Dogs Right or Left Pawed?

You may be surprised to learn that the answer is yes. In Northern Ireland, Dr. Deborah Wells tested 53 dogs. Here's how she determined whether they were right or left pawed:

- turning over a can that had a treat underneath
- removing a blanket placed over the dog's head
- paw lifting when asked to "give paw."

Dr. Wells also found that female dogs tended to use their right paws, while males tended to use their left paws. Pretty cool experiment for you to try at home.
posted by Margaret Svete@7:15pm

Tuesday, July 20, 2004

2 Tips To Help Ease Your Dog's Arthritis

Arthritis is no fun for anyone - even dogs. Here are two simple things you can do to help ease your dog's arthritis.

First of all make sure your dog gets regular exercise. Good muscle tone and muscle mass help alleviate stress on arthritic joints. In fact veterinarians usually recommend at least two 20-30 minute walks a day.

Second, make sure your dog has a nice comfortable bed, maybe even a heated bed in winter. Cold and dampness can make arthritis pain worse.
posted by Margaret Svete@7:00pm

Sunday, July 18, 2004

Dog Becomes Postman's Best Friend

Here's a story that will make you smile. Toby, a 12- year-old golden retriever, arrives at the post office here at 9:30 every morning, ready to deliver the mail, even though he's barred from coming inside. Toby has been delivering mail to his owner for the past two years. He makes the three-block trek to the post office with his neighbor. Toby waits patiently outside until his owner's mail is put in a green pouch around his neck for the short trip home. "We put that pouch on him and he's a different dog," Toby's owner said. "It's like it's something important for him to do. Toby gets a treat when he gets home. And the local Postmaster said Toby carries on the Postal Service tradition of getting the mail out on time. "It's like clockwork at 9:30am" I wish my mail could only be as on-time. Margaret Svete http://www.allaboutdogcare.com

posted by Margaret Svete @ 6:35pm

Saturday, July 17, 2004

Dog's Barks Save Neighbors From Fire

Several people may owe their lives to an alert dog. The barks of a Pomeranian a neighbor early yesterday morning as a fire was sweeping through his neighbors' apartment in western New York. The neighbor called 911 and firefighters were able to rescue four people who were trapped inside including a disabled person. Margaret Svete http://www.allaboutdogcare.com

posted by Margaret Svete @ 6:31 PM

Tuesday, July 13, 2004

Dog reaches 189 in Human Years

You've got to read this. According to the Associated Press an Australian dog named Jerry is about to have a birthday -- and tie a record. The cattle dog, bull terrier mix is about to turn 27--- that's approximately 189 years for a human. The Guinness Book of Records lists the oldest dog at 27 -- a beagle from Virginia named Butch. Veterinarian Honey Nelson in the Australian Outback says Jerry could break the record because he's in good shape. Jerry's owner credits his longevity to his high-protein diet of Outback wildlife, like kangaroo, rabbit and emu, as well as scraps from the dinner table. Margaret Svete http://www.allaboutdogcare.com

posted by Margaret Svete @ 5:46

Sunday, July 11, 2004

I Never Thought It Would Happen To My Dog

You read about it and hear the horror stories. Yet you never think it will happen to your dog. Last night Wanda got sprayed by a skunk. I don't think I have to tell you - it was just awful. I found some Skunk Odor Remover from the pet store. It didn't work. Finally I remembered a skunk odor eliminator recipe that I had seen in a couple of magazines. It worked like a charm. And the best part is that it is very cheap and you probably already have all the ingredients in your house. Here's the wonderful recipe: 1/4 cup baking soda 1 teaspoon liquid soap 1 quart hydrogen peroxide (you may need more depending on the size of your dog) Margaret Svete http://www.allaboutdogcare.com

posted by Margaret Svete @ 2:34PM

Saturday, July 10, 2004

Brushing Up On Dog Grooming

Is your dog due for a makeover? Has she been enjoying the great outdoors a little too much? Here are some simple tips for helping your dog put her best paw forward.

It all begins with the brushing:

Brush your dog regularly. Daily is best. Be sure to also brush against hair growth direction to check for fleas and ticks.

The right tools. For short-haired dogs, most groomers recommend stainless-steel combs because they slide through coats very easily.

For medium to long haired dogs start with a slicker brush and then follow with a stainless steel comb.

In hot months consider investing in a flea comb to make sure your dog has not become a flea hotel.

To make your dog's coat really shine, finish with a soft bristle brush.

If your dog hates being brushed it sometimes helps to brush after play time. Start by brushing in the hair growth direction. When you are finished, reward your dog with a treat. Each day brush your dog a little longer. And if you are lucky, your dog may even begin to like being brushed.

Now for the bath:

Brush your dog from head to toe making sure all mats are gone. For small dogs a sink works great. For medium to large dogs, a tub or shower works best. Use only warm water and a good shampoo made for dogs. People shampoo is too harsh and can irritate your dog's skin. Most groomers recommend working from the back end forward, lathering the head last.
Rinse, rinse, and rinse again to make sure you have removed all shampoo.
Short-haired dogs dry quickly and only need to be dried off with a towel. If your dog has long hair, you may need to brush him while he's drying to avoid tangles.

The Grand Finale:

Finish by giving your dog a treat.
Then celebrate! You and your dog survived the bath, and you have a clean dog.

Thursday, July 08, 2004

Are You Making Your Dog Fat?

Did you know your laziness can hurt your dog? A recent survey showed that failing to give dogs proper exercise gives them the same medical problems as people who don't exercise.

I was sad to discover that the survey among 100 vets found 67% had seen an increase in obesity and related conditions among dogs over the past year.

Heart disease, arthritis, breathing difficulties and diabetes were also on the rise, vets said.

Why? Owners aren't taking their dogs for walks.

Your dog needs at least an hour of exercise a day. If you're playing catch with your dog, you can cut back the time.

With my five dogs, I have found that the game of fetch goes a long way, especially when five dogs are running after the same ball or Kong Toy.

Plus, when my dogs are worn out - they are so well behaved. "A tired dog is a well-behaved dog."

Margaret Svete
AllAboutDogCare.com

Visit the only site on the web devoted to free dog ebooks:
www.five-dog.com

Shaving dogs

I've noticed that all of my neighbors' dogs have gotten haircuts recently. They say that it keeps their dogs cool. But did you know all that hair on the coat is also a good source of protection.

If you brush your dog every day you really don't need to shave your dog.

Your dog's coat can insulate the him from heat and protect him against insect bites and skin problems. Cutting your dog's hair too short can also cause sunburn.

I think for now Berry, Wanda, Robin, Sarah, and Dresden will be keeping their fur.

Pet dander everywhere

Anyone with allergies probably already knew this. Scientists have found most U.S. households harbor pet allergens at levels high enough tocause allergic reactions. This even includes homes without a dog or cat.

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development researchers discovered allergen levels were especially high among dog and cat owners even if their pets were outdoor pets.

Apparently allergens are transported on clothing, communities with more pet owners have a significantly higher count, putting pet-allergic patients at an increased risk.

These headlines brought to you by Margaret Svete.

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